A player who has redefined what it means to be considered a top defender, Virgil van Dijk is the epitome of world class.

His incredibly high standards sets the tone for this Liverpool defence and his uber-consistent performances have helped raise the game of his fellow centre-backs this season.

Once more the backbone behind the best defensive record in the Premier League, the Dutch colossus has made being a centre-back cool again. That he was only pipped by Lionel Messi in the Ballon d'Or stakes back in December shows you the impact he has had at Anfield.

One off-day aside - at Watford in February - Van Dijk has been imperious. A rock-solid base for which Liverpool have built all of their good work over the last two years.

Will go down alongside the best defenders in the club's history when he calls time on his Merseyside stay.

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Ian Doyle - 9

It says a lot about how impressive Virgil van Dijk has been at Liverpool that when Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe briefly got past him during the opening weeks of the season, supporters at rival Premier League clubs rejoiced at a chink being found in his armour.

Van Dijk remains a key part of Liverpool's efforts in the heart of defence, having not missed a minute in the Premier League and Champions League so far this season.

Has he quite been at the standard of last year? No, but surely no defender could have kept that level up for such a sustained period.

But any blips - such as in the defeat at Watford - have been far outstripped by his overall contribution, having again been partnered by Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and, for the most part, Joe Gomez at centre-back.

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates with Roberto Firmino

He has even popped up with the odd goal, most notably the opener against Manchester United at Anfield in January.

Liverpool's best defender, the world's best defender. Van Dijk remains one of the first names on the teamsheet.

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Connor Dunn - 9

It is difficult to keep finding superlatives to describe the ever-imperious Virgil van Dijk.

In his first full season at Anfield the Dutchman was nothing short of masterful in the heart of defence and while his performances may not have quite hit the consistently unbelievable levels he displayed last term - he is still the key man in Liverpool's backline and the best defender in world football so any criticism is hard to level.

His transformative effect on those around him, meanwhile, has shown no signs of slowing down and that cannot be underestimated.

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